The world will fight climate change with or without the U.S. – Kofi Annan

The world will fight climate change with or without the U.S. – Kofi Annan

Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has implored the world to continue the fight against climate change despite the United States’ decision to backtrack on its agreements.

The founder and chair of the Kofi Annan Foundation in his keynote address at the 10th Forum for the Future of Agriculture in Brussels on Tuesday said the Paris Agreement has sealed the pact to fight climate change.

“The United States may withdraw because of the policies of President Trump, or will put a brake on it … but the rest of the world will continue,” he said while acknowledging some states who are against the country’s defection.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner also touched on the effects of climate change and how to improve food systems to feed the millions of people facing starvation.

What is the point of economic growth if you cannot breathe?

He highlighted the need for greater investment in developing countries and food systems that “produce more food with fewer resources.”

“Shifting to sustainable food systems and agriculture is possible if bold leadership from every sector can be ensured … Africa will to some extent move away from smallholding. We need cooperation between large and small sectors and more innovation,” he said.

Kofi Annan called on all countries to play a critical role to successfully implement the SDGs.

“What is the point of economic growth if you cannot breathe? … Let us turn aspiration into action and build a food secure, sustainable, and prosperous world founded on these pillars of progress,” he added.